Multicat Behavior Questionnaire

MULTICAT Behavior Questionnaire

(This form is adapted from "Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats" by Dr. Karen L. Overall and is for the exclusive use of clients of Veterinary Relief and Behavior, LLC)
The more specific information you provide, the better we can help you and your pets! This form could take 45+ minutes to complete, and can be completed in more than one sitting. You can save your progress and come back to it later by clicking the "SAVE" button at the bottom of the screen. (You do not need to click the save button between sections unless you are taking a break.)

NOTE: This questionnaire should only be used if you have MULTIPLE cats in the same home with similar problems that you are seeking treatment for. If you are interested in a single cat consult or have multiple cats with very DIFFERENT issues, then please use the regular Feline Behavior Questionnaire. Please call or text us at 727-437-9906 if you have any questions. Thank you!
If you want more information about veterinary behavior consultations with Dr. Edwards, go to https://www.tampaveterinarybehavior.com
Are you seeking a consultation on multiple cats?
If just one cat, please instead use the feline behavior questionnaire at: https://www.tampaveterinarybehavior.com/book
YOUR Name

First NameLast Name
Email
example@example.com
Address – this is where we will meet if doing an in-home consultation.

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code
Phone Number – (CELL phone is preferable so we can text you about your pet)
Please enter a valid 10 digit phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Name of spouse/partner (if applicable)
Email of spouse/partner (if applicable)
example@example.com
Phone of spouse/partner (if applicable)
Please enter a valid 10 digit phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
What is the COMPLETE NAME of the veterinary hospital you take your pets to? (This is where we will request medical records from, and where we will send a copy of your behavior reports.)
What CITY is this hospital located in?
There are many animal hospitals with similar names, so this helps us make sure we're contacting the right one!
Who is your primary doctor at that hospital?
We will request medical records for your pet from your veterinarian(s). Are there any OTHER hospitals (besides the one listed above) that have recently treated the pets we will be seeing?
Also, is there any other name (e.g., married name) or phone number that an animal hospital might have your records listed under?
Who referred you to Dr. Edwards?
Date of form completion (i.e., today's date)

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate

Please list ALL the people, INCLUDING yourself, currently living in the household

Rows	Name	Relation	Gender	Age	Occupation
You
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Any special circumstances related to the living situation?
Let us know if a family member or pet is only with you for part of the year, for example.

Please list all the PETS currently living in the household

Rows	Name	Species	Gender	Breed	Spay/Neutered?	Birthdate (mm/dd/yy)	Age	Date joined household
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

More than 10 pets? Add their information here:
Have any of the pets with behavior problems had previous owners? If so, please elaborate:
Do any of the above pets have any MEDICAL or PHYSICAL problems that your veterinarian has noted?
Do any of the other pets listed above (excluding the primary patient) have previously diagnosed BEHAVIORAL problems? If so, please explain.
Are any of the above pets on parasite prevention (e.g., flea, tick, heartworm prevention?) If so, which one(s)?
Are your pets taking any other medications or supplements right now? If so, what doses, how frequently, and for how long?
Have the above pets ever been treated with any behavioral medications or supplements? If so, please elaborate. What effects did they have?
What food and what treats (if any) do your pets receive?
Any feeding restrictions? (i.e., are there any treats that I should NOT bring to the behavior consultation?) If so, please elaborate.
Do any of your pets exhibit periodic diarrhea or gastrointestinal distress (i.e., intermittent stomach upset)? If so, please explain. (NOTE: THIS INCLUDES HAIRBALLS)
Please describe the enrichment your pets get on an average day. We know this might vary significantly from day to day, but whatever information you can provide could be helpful)
Has your household changed since acquiring these pets?
If yes, WHEN did EACH of these changes occur?
If you have any UPCOMING changes, what are they and when will they happen?
Were any littermates, parents, or other relatives of these pets known to have any MEDICAL or BEHAVIORAL problems?

Litter Box Habits

Please complete these even if your cat is not currently eliminating outside of the box.
How many litter boxes do you have in the house?

Please answer the following for the litter boxes (You can leave additional rows blank - only fill out for the boxes that you have)

Rows	Location	How many times a day is this box typically scooped?	Is the box covered?	Using a liner/bag under the litter in this box?	Scented litter or scented liner?
Box #1
Box #2
Box #3
Box #4
Box #5
Box #6
Box #7
Box #8

How large is each box?
What brand of litter do you use, and is it clumping litter? Is it the same in every box? How deep is the litter in each box (e.g., 2 inch litter depth)?
How frequently do you CHANGE/REPLACE the litter?
How do you clean the litter boxes? (i.e., Do you just rinse it with water, do you use soap, do you use bleach, etc.)
Is the litter scented? Do you use any scented soaps when cleaning the box?
What do your cats do in the litter box? (e.g., go inside of it, just stand on the edge, dig in it a lot, etc.)
Which of your cats tend to use each litter box?
Do any of your cats immediately use the litter box right after you scoop it?

Other (write-in answer)
Have your cats ever had any variation in whether or not they cover their feces or urine, and if so, is any of that variation associated with the presence or absence of another cat (or change in situation)?
Do any of your cats vocalize or cry while they eliminate?

Other (write-in answer)
Do any of your cats "spray" against the back of a covered litter box? If so, who?
Do any of your cats ever URINATE outside the box? If so, please explain who/where/how often.
Do any of your cats ever DEFECATE outside the box? If so, please explain who/where/how often.

Problem Behaviors
Problem #1a: Please state the MOST important behavioral problem/complaint.
Problem #1b: How often does this behavior happen? Is there a pattern to when this behavior occurs? Are there certain circumstances where it does NOT occur?
Problem #1c: Approximately when did you first notice this problem?

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Problem #2a: Please state the second-most important behavioral problem/complaint.
Problem #2b: How often does this behavior happen? Is there a pattern to when this behavior occurs? Are there certain circumstances where it does NOT occur?
Problem #2c: Approximately when did you first notice this problem?

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Problem #3a: Please state the third-most important behavioral problem/complaint.
Problem #3b: How often does this behavior happen? Is there a pattern to when this behavior occurs? Are there certain circumstances where it does NOT occur?
Problem #3c: Approximately when did you first notice this problem?

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Problem #4a: Please state the fourth-most important behavioral problem/complaint.
Problem #4b: How often does this behavior happen? Is there a pattern to when this behavior occurs? Are there certain circumstances where it does NOT occur?
Problem #4c: Approximately when did you first notice this problem?

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Problem #5a: Please state the fifth-most important behavioral problem/complaint.
Problem #5b: How often does this behavior happen? Is there a pattern to when this behavior occurs? Are there certain circumstances where it does NOT occur?
Problem #5c: Approximately when did you first notice this problem?

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Problem Development
Please provide a brief outline of the chronological development of the problem behavior(s). Please include any significant incidents AND DATES you think are relevant.
Has the intensity or frequency of the problem behavior(s) changed since the problem started? If so, please explain in detail.

Additional Information
Please review these key points to ensure the best outcome for your pet. Check each box to confirm that you have read them and understand.
Behavioral treatment is a process, not a one-time fix. Most issues are managed over time rather than completely resolved. Success requires ongoing adjustments and follow-up care.
Follow-up appointments are essential. The first follow-up is usually 2-3 months after the initial consult. After that, follow-ups will be every 2-12 months (depending on progress, and client communication/updates).
In some cases, medications can be a critical part of achieving improvement and reaching your behavior modification goals.
Regular updates are key to behavioral management. Medications often need to be adjusted over time. Also, staying in touch can reduce the number of follow-up appointments needed.
Is there anything else you think we should know?
What are your goals for this behavior consultation? In other words, what outcome would you like to achieve for your pets?
Should be Empty:

Rows	Yes	No
Are you concerned that you may have caused the problem(s)?
Do you feel guilty about this problem?
Have you considered finding another home for your cat(s)?
Have you considered bringing your pet(s) to a shelter?
Have you considered euthanasia (putting your pet to sleep)?

Rows	Thunderstorms	Fireworks	Other noises (if applicable)
Hide
Try to Escape
Freeze
Howl
Hiss
Shake
Urinate or Defecate
Pace
Destruction (e.g., chew on things)

Rows	Hiss/howl/growl	Whip tail	Piloerect (puff up)	Swat/Scratch	Bite
Take cat's food dish (w/ food)
Take cat's food dish (empty)
Take human food or other high value food
Take small treat or other low value food
Human approaches cat while eating
Cat approaches cat while eating
Take toy
Human approaches while cat playing w/ toy
Cat approaches while cat playing w/ toy
Human approaches/disturbs cat while sleeping
Cat approaches/disturbs cat while sleeping
Human walks past cat in doorway
Step over cat

Rows	Hiss/howl/growl	Whip tail	Piloerect (puff up)	Swat/Scratch	Bite
Put on collar/harness/shirt
Push cat off bed/couch/surface
Reach toward cat
Pet cat when in lap
Pet cat when NOT in lap
Groom cat
Trim nails
Stranger enters room
Human carries cat
Cat in vet's office
Cat yelled at
Cat physically punished - hit
Human body parts moving under covers on bed

Rows	Yes, CURRENTLY using this technique.	I used this in the past, but not anymore	Never used/tried
Stare at or "stare down"
Hiss or growl at cat
Blow in nose/on face
Throw a tin/can of pennies (i.e., shaker can)
Spray bottle
Yell or scream at cat
Praise for good behavior
Give treats for good behavior
Deprive of food
Shove cat's nose/face into urine/feces/destroyed item
Use scat mats or other electronic avoidance systems
Foghorn
Hit cat with hand
Hit cat with another object

MULTICAT Behavior Questionnaire

Litter Box Habits

Problem Behaviors

Problem Development

Safety Concerns

Screening Questions

Noise Screen

Reactivity/Aggression Screen

Previous Treatments

Stereotypic and Ritualistic Behavior - READ INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

Questionnaire for Senior Cats - READ INSTRUCTIONS BELOW

Additional Information

Rows	Yes	No	Unknown
Chewing self
Licking self
Suckling on own skin (e.g., cat holds leg in its mouth but doesn't chew)
Biting self
Plucking hair from self

Rows	Yes	No	Unknown
Staring at and attending to things that are not real
Tracking things that are not real
Pouncing on or attacking things that are not there

Rows	Yes	No	Unknown
Consuming dirt, soil, or rocks
Consuming other objects
Chewing/eating fabric, rugs, clothing, bedding
Licking/suckling (but not chewing) on fabric, rugs, clothing, bedding
Licking or gulping air

Rows	Yes	No	Unknown
Circling/spinning WITHOUT focus on tail
Tail-chasing (with or without grabbing it)

Rows	Yes	No	Unknown
Rhythmic meowing - NOT at any specific object/thing
Rhythmic howling - NOT at any specific object/thing
Rhythmic growling - NOT at any specific object/thing

Rows	More than once a day	Once a day	Once a week	Once a month	Never
Walk in circles, pace, or wander with no direction or purpose?
Stare blankly at the walls or floor?
Get stuck behind objects and is unable to get around them?
Fail to recognize familiar people or pets?
Walk into walls or doors?
Walk away from/avoid being petted or receiving other loving attention they used to enjoy?